Single wall and double wall fuel tanks each have their own advantages and disadvantages. What you need depends on the exact nature of your business. If you need Florida fuel tank services, we can help. For more information, keep reading.
Single Wall Fuel Tanks
The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Regulations. These rules stipulate that fuel tanks must have some sort of secondary containment. Single wall tanks are commonly used, either inside or outside, when a concrete structure provides the required secondary containment. The concrete needs to be coated with epoxy to make it impervious to fuel.
This leads to the first big advantage of a single wall fuel tank. If you already have the secondary containment, a single wall fuel tank may be the way to go.
Generally, single wall fuel tanks are less expensive than their double wall counterparts. In some cases, prices can be as low as one-third of double wall fuel tanks. This cost reduction only comes during the purchasing of the tank itself, as installation and maintenance costs are comparable.
Some single wall fuel tanks are known as diked tanks. These tanks come with integral steel containment in the form of an open top dike. Diked tanks can provide secondary containment, but must be shielded from the rain.
One of the biggest disadvantages of single wall fuel tanks is that you need the secondary containment. That can end up costing your business a very serious amount of money. In some cases, it may be cheaper to use a double wall fuel tank.
Double Wall Fuel Tank
With a double wall fuel tank, you can comply with SPCC rules without having to worry about anything else. The outer, ‘double’ wall wraps around the inner tank, which creates space. This is where anything that leaks out of first tank goes. This means that the environment and your work space are safe. In addition, this outer wall usually has some sort of monitoring system, which can detect a leak.
Part of using a double wall fuel tank is making sure it is up to industry standards. The EPA stipulates that certain requirements must be met for the second wall to be considered a secondary container. It is a good idea to ask the manufacturer whether your tank fulfills this requirement.
Double wall tanks have the added benefit of keeping rainwater out. If your tank is outside, you will not have to worry about the weather.
It is a good idea to understand all of the requirements for your fuel tank. The EPA has a long list of regulations regarding how you store fuel. Additionally, you may find that your state has more rules concerning fuel tank storage. Florida, for example, has its own laws regarding fuel tanks, and has its own inspections.
If you have any questions about Florida fuel tank services, we can help. EPAC Environmental Services has decades of experience with fuel tank installation, repair, and maintenance. Our team of certified, authorized, and specialized engineers can help you out today.